A Festive Season Begins
December brings a special kind of magic. Town squares glow with lights. Holiday music floats through the air. Families bundle up and head out to enjoy seasonal traditions. It is also the perfect month to explore the many Holiday Markets stretching from LaGrange to Atlanta.
These festive markets offer handmade gifts, local food, cheerful entertainment, warm drinks, and the joy of supporting small businesses. Whether you prefer a lively downtown event or a peaceful village-style market, you will find something memorable all season long.
What Christkindl Markets Are All About
Since several of the first markets you’ll explore are Christkindl-themed, it’s worth taking a moment to share what these festive villages are all about. Their traditions run deep, and the atmosphere they create is unforgettable.
Christkindl Markets began centuries ago in Germany as outdoor Christmas villages filled with toys, ornaments, baked goods, and seasonal treats crafted by local artisans. They were places for neighbors to gather, celebrate, and welcome the Christmas season together.
Today, these markets are beloved across the world for their nostalgic charm. You can expect:
• Wooden vendor stalls
• Warm drinks such as cider or mulled wine
• Handcrafted ornaments and gifts
• Twinkling lights and festive décor
• Seasonal treats like roasted nuts or pastries
Because of their magical atmosphere, Christkindl events have become some of the most anticipated Holiday Markets each year, and our region has some wonderful ones to explore.
Atlanta Christkindl Market
Location: 210 Luckie Street, Lawrenceville
Dates: November 28th through December 24th
Hours: Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3pm to 8pm, Fridays and Saturdays from 11am to 9pm, and Sundays from 11am to 8pm (Special hours the week of Christmas will be: Monday and Tuesday (22nd and 23rd) from 11am to 8pm, Christmas Eve from 11am to 4pm)
What to Expect:
This market feels like a true European Christmas village. Wooden huts line the lawn, each filled with artisan gifts such as handcrafted ornaments, wooden toys, candles, and winter décor. Live music and festive performances often fill the evening air.
Food is one of the highlights, and you can expect roasted nuts, pastries, German classics, hot cocoa, and warm seasonal drinks. The market keeps growing every year, offering new vendors, more entertainment, and even better holiday photo moments.
Click here for a map that includes parking and shuttle info.
Roswell Christkindl Market
Location: 180 Bulloch Ave, Roswell
Dates: November 21st to December 23rd
Hours: Mondays through Thursdays from 3pm to 8pm, Fridays & Saturdays from 12pm to 9pm, and Sundays from 12pm to 8pm
What to Expect:
Charming, walkable, and beautifully decorated, the Roswell Christkindl Market blends traditional German influence with local artistry. Families can enjoy live entertainment, kids’ activities, treats, and visits with Santa.
Vendors offer handmade jewelry, ornaments, ceramics, candles, scarves, and specialty foods. This market is especially photogenic thanks to its historic backdrop and cozy village-style layout.
Serenbe Holiday Market
Location: Gainey Hall, 10640 Serenbe Lane, Chattahoochee Hills
Dates: December 4th through 6th
Hours: Thursday from 4pm to 8pm, Friday and Saturday from 10am to 7pm
What to Expect:
Serenbe is already a storybook setting, and its Holiday Market amplifies that charm. Expect artisan vendors showcasing pottery, artwork, textiles, baked goods, home décor, and more.
Musicians often perform throughout the day, and the local shops and restaurants make it easy to spend several hours exploring. The atmosphere is peaceful, slower-paced, and perfect for a relaxed seasonal outing.
Back to Nature Holiday Market
Location: CNC Discovery Center Grounds, 9135 Willeo Rd, Roswell
Dates: December 6th
Hours: Typically 10am to 4pm
What to Expect:
This is a meaningful, eco-focused Holiday Market centered around nature, sustainability, and mindful shopping. Vendors offer candles, soaps, woodcrafts, art, toys, jewelry, and small-batch foods sourced or produced sustainably.
The peaceful setting makes it feel more like a retreat than a marketplace. Visitors can also explore nature trails, the wildlife center, or seasonal exhibits.
Callaway Gardens Fantasy in Lights & Christmas Village
Location: Callaway Gardens, 17617 Highway 27, Pine Mountain
Dates: November 14th through January 4th
Hours: Light show runs evenings; Christmas Village hours vary
What to Expect:
While not a traditional market, the Christmas Village at Fantasy in Lights includes vendors, sweet treats, holiday photo spots, Santa visits, and seasonal gifts.
Families can choose the walk-through experience or a scenic drive featuring millions of lights across miles of displays. It’s a beloved tradition for many and makes a perfect full-day or evening outing paired with other local markets.
Lights, Local Makers, and Holiday Magic
Holiday Markets are more than places to shop. They become treasured memories filled with music, flavor, community, and joy. You can stroll with warm drinks, take festive photos, find unique gifts, and enjoy the creativity of local makers.
From LaGrange to Atlanta, each market shines in its own way. Whether you’re looking for handcrafted treasures, seasonal treats, or timeless traditions, December is the perfect month to explore it all.
Happy Holiday Market Visiting,
The Gals at Good to Be Home 🐝
